About Cooperstown, NY

Introduction

Nestled in the foothills of the Catskill mountains, Cooperstown, NY is the quintessential all-American town.  Stroll the tree-lined lanes, visit any number of wonderful shops or restaurants, discover museums and a world-class opera house, or simply relax on the stunning nine mile Lake Otsego.  Cooperstown's got it all and a hearty baseball presence to boot!  

Founded in 1786 by William Cooper, father to famous Deerslayer author James Fenimore Cooper, the town enjoys both historic and current significance.  Although most are familiar with Cooperstown's own National Baseball Hall of Fame, the village is far more than a baseball haven. In fact, the numerous visitors add cultural diversity and a unique blend of character to the 1,900 or so year round residents. 

Summers in the town offer abundant outdoor recreation, including the heralded Leatherstocking Golf Course, numerous hiking and camping sites, boating and fishing, and of course, plenty of site-seeing.  However, the town doesn't miss a beat in the other seasons either.  Fall is, perhaps, the best time to take advantage of the spectacular foliage and plentiful community events, as diverse as the annual Pumpkinfest or Harvest Festival.  Winter brings to mind a the hearty Winter Carnival and Santa's arrival in town on an old fashioned fire truck---complete with Mrs. Claus!  Or relish in the beauty of spring in upstate New York as the flowers bloom and the town starts its hum towards summer. 

Whatever time of year you visit Cooperstown, you're sure to have a wonderful experience in one of America's National Treasures   .   .   .   It's a Home Run!







During your stay in Coooperstown, be sure to check out these special places that define our landscape.


National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum

Located in the heart of the Village of Cooperstown, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum captures the essence of America's Field of Dreams.  Founded in 1939, the Hall's "mission is to preserve history, honor excellence and connect generations" as cited on their interactive and informative website.  The Hall of Fame is historic, current and a must-see for baseball fanatics and fans alike.  For further information, directions and an elaborate history of the museum, please check out the link at  www.baseballhalloffame.org.


The Farmers' Museum

Step back in history when you visit Cooperstown's own time capsule, The Farmers' Museum.  In honor of the village's rich farming heritage and traditional values, the museum revisits upstate New York, circa the early 1800's.  The Fenimore Farm as it is now named, was established by famed Deerslayer author, James Fenimore Cooper, in 1813.  It has since evolved from a sheep farm to a creamery, then home to prized cattle, to its current reincarnation as a museum.  Dedicated to enlightening modern visitors, the Museum offers a peek inside a real, operational, turn of the century town.  Complete with smithy, church, print shop, general store and a 23,000 piece strong collection of historical tools and objects, your tour will bring you back in time to a place of simple living and hard work.  Children will enjoy the livestock and beautifully restored carousel, as well as the tent of the Cardiff Giant, an enormous delight in its day and today!  For more information please click this link:  www.farmersmuseum.org.


Fenimore Art Museum (NYSHA)

Sister museum to the Farmers' Museum, the New York State Historical Association (NYSHA) and the Fenimore Art Museum are located directly across the street, on the shores of beautiful Otsego Lake.  The Fenimore Art Museum, as well as being the headquarters of NYSHA, is home to some of the country's finest examples of early American art and Indian artifacts.  The museum is housed in the stunning Stephen Carlton Clark estate, a gift from Clark in 1939.  It is sited on the early 19th century farm of James Fenimore Cooper, author of the famous Leatherstocking Tales.  Browse the pristine grounds, visit the extensive research library, participate in any number of educational workshops (for all ages), or just take in the wonder of one of the finest art collections in the country.  The Fenimore Art Museum is an historical lesson and treat for all.  Please visit their informative site at www.nysha.org.


Glimmerglass Opera House

Located on the banks of spectacular Otsego Lake lies one of the nation's premiere opera venues, the Alice Busch Opera House.  Open since 1987, the House has hosted no less than 80 productions and has wielded high praise amongst opera professionals and fans alike.  The state of the art sound and acoustics along with the bucolic setting, set the stage for magnificence.  Performed both in English and their native tongues, these productions have helped to educate locals and visitors about the art of opera, as well as encourage young, unsung (so to speak), talent to emerge.  For more information, please visit www.glimmerglass.org.


In the Swim . . . Cooperstown

Dive in!  Cooperstown offers some of the best fresh-water swimming in New York State.  Situated at the foot of the Catskill Mountain range, 9-mile Otsego Lake is the headwaters for the mighty Susquehanna River. With three public beaches that offer lifeguards at the swimming facilities, the lake is a welcome escape to locals and visitors alike.  Boating, fishing, and water sports are all very popular come summer, but the lake attracts a healthy ice fishing crowd as well.  Cool, clean and environmentally protected waters place Otsego Lake among one of the must-see sights on anyone's tour of the Home of Baseball.

Glimmerglass State Park -  located on County Route 31               http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/28/details.aspx

Fees:
Vehicle entrance fee - $7

Hours:
Weekends and holidays   -  8 am - 6 pm
Daily June 15 - Labor Day - 8 am - 6 pm

Fairy Spring Park *- located on County Route 31

Fees:
$5 per person
$35  - Season Pass
Free - Village Residents
Free - Residents of the Town of Middlefield

Hours:
11 am - 8 pm
Swimming  to 8 pm

Three Mile Point * - located 3 miles East on State Highway 80

Fees:
$5 per person
$35 - season pass
Free - Village Residents
Free - Residents of the Town of Otsego

Hours:
10 am - 8 pm
Swimming to 7 pm

Council Rock Park - located at River & Lake Streets
Park-like setting with encompassing views of Otsego Lake, fishing, no swimming, no beach 

Fees:
FREE

* Three Mile Point and Fairy Spring Parks allow barbecue grills, picnics, fishing and swimming.  
Bathing attire required.
Pavillion rental available. 
No pets ~ No alcohol